Afew years back Justin and I headed to Singapore as part of one of our annual big trips – our main holiday of the year – and after a lot of research we decided to split our fortnight away in half; spending a week in Penang, Malaysia followed by a week in Singapore. The city is amazing; a melting pot of cultures and a crazy mix of old and new and after my 5-night stay I was not ready to leave. I will most definitely be back to experience more of what Singapore has to offer, but as a first-timer…

It’s summer time, which means it’s time for salads and BBQs. I wanted to share one of my favourite salads, bún gà – a Vietnamese rice noodle salad with chicken. I’ve been to Vietnam twice – it’s a beautiful country with a fascinating culture, and the food is my favourite of all cuisines. In particular, nuoc mam sauce – the perfect combination of salty and sweet – always makes me think of meals I ate there (and makes me want to return because my attempts at making those dishes will never be as good). I think of all the dishes…

Krabi is a beautiful part of Thailand to visit anytime of the year, but depending on when you go your experience can be very different. Both off season and high season have their pros and cons, as we discovered when we recently stayed in Koh Jum, a beautiful island just off mainland Krabi. To help you decide what time of year suits you best, I’ve put together this little guide from our own personal experiences of staying at Koh Jum Beach Villas during the change from off season to high season (October 15-22). Off season or high season? The amenities…

Our guide to spending Chinese New Year in Penang – what to see and do, and what to expect during the holidays. Chinese New Year in Malaysia is something very special and I can highly recommend spending CNY, as it’s often written, on the island of Penang. Penang’s an amazing place to visit all year round – regular readers will know I’m a big fan of the island and particularly its food – but spending Chinese New Year here is an amazing experience, as there’s a variety of special new year celebrations that take place across the island. When is…

If you want an authentic taste of Thai island life then Koh Jum is the place for you. The region of Krabi, Thailand is a well-known tourist hot spot thanks to its amazing tropical islands and bathwater-warm, light blue sea. However, many of Krabi’s beaches and the islands off its coast – such as Railay, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta – have become the victims of over-tourism and in my opinion have lost some of their personality and authenticity. Here people fight over a free spot of sand to sunbathe and as you walk along the beach you’ll pass…

Discover eight of the best night markets in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital city, offering everything from fake designer goods and vintage clothes through to boutique shops and hipster eateries. Whenever I visit South East Asia I always have to search out the best night markets. There’s something about the bustle of the crowds, the hawkers vying for your attention, and oh, the amazing street food, that has me hooked. Shopping after dark has always felt a little exotic to me as I’m used to UK markets, which close way before the sun goes down. So when I think of night…

It’s been fun reminiscing over the unique experiences we’ve had in Thailand, and reminded us of how great a country it is to visit. Although we loved exploring its temples and palaces, some of our most memorable experiences have been a little more unconventional, so we thought it would be fun to share with you some of the quirkier Thailand experiences we’ve had so far… Going on a nightly crab watch We’ve all got our ‘special places’ in Thailand and mine is Koh Jum. Visiting for my 40th birthday, we splashed out and stayed at Koh Jum Beach Villas, where…

Places like Rahaa Resort prove you can get the turquoise lagoon, the white sand, and the feeling of genuine escape without the $1,500-a-night price tag — if you know exactly where to look. The Maldives budget tier is real. You just have to navigate it correctly, because one wrong booking decision can silently double your total cost before you ever land. What “Cheap” Actually Means in the Maldives Before you book anything, understand the pricing reality. The Maldives runs on a spectrum from $80 local island guesthouses to $6,000-a-night private islands. Most travel coverage focuses on the top end. The…

You’re in Bangkok on a Thursday afternoon, three hours free before dinner. Someone’s list has circled the Erawan Tea Room at the Grand Hyatt. Reviews are positive but imprecise — “beautiful,” “delicious,” “romantic” — none of which help you determine whether 1,500 baht per person is a justified expense or money better spent elsewhere in a city full of exceptional food at a fraction of the price. This guide examines the specifics: what’s actually served, what you’ll pay, how the Erawan compares to its direct competitors, and the situations where you should book a different venue entirely. What the Erawan…